A significant number of substantial jury verdicts are being obtained in trials lasting only a short time compared to the length of previous jury trials in major damage cases. Two recent examples involve a Washington federal jury case for wrongful termination resulting in a $5 Million dollar jury verdict that lasted less than three days. The federal judge, in that case,  limited the lawyers to thirty minutes for voir dire, fifteen minutes for opening statements and closing arguments to twenty minutes. In another out-of-state case, involving wrongful death, the jury trial took only six days, resulting in a verdict of $18.3 Million dollars. The jury began deliberations on the seventh day and was back with a verdict in four hours.

Certainly, each jury trial is different, resulting in the time it takes to present the case to the jury depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the claims, the actions taken by the opposing party, and how the judge manages the trial. Inexperienced lawyers often think they need to use every possible witness and all the available evidence to increase their chance of success, or because they lack judgment in distinguishing between what is really relevant and what is not.  As a result, trials begin to stretch out, witness examinations run long, and jurors can get fatigued, which can potentially jeopardize a case. However, studies show that jurors are more likely to understand the case by providing the key issues through evidence that is simple, understandable, and brief.  

The benefits of a shorter, simpler trial is that you are more likely to capture the juror’s attention and keep it. Today’s jurors generally get their information in 30 to 60-second sound bites or headline-like reading. Longer, more complex evidence makes it far more likely to lose the jurors’ attention as they become frustrated and bored.

The primary benefit of focusing your trial and presenting it briefly through clearly understandable evidence includes the following points:

1. Juror Stress, Engagement & Trial Length

• Jurors consistently report that trial complexity and length heighten stress, particularly in longer or more involved cases. Shorter trials typically reduce fatigue and anxiety
• Survey data and trial management studies emphasize that jurors frequently criticize lengthy trials as repetitive and taxing—and many feel shorter, structured trials are overall better experienced.  Jurors today are accustomed to digesting information in short bursts. Condensed trials help maintain their focus and reduce fatigue.
• Motivated cognition: Jurors may pay closer attention if they believe doing so will shorten their service time
• Lawyers are encouraged to distill their case to its most compelling points, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
•  Shorter trials reduce the burden on witnesses, making testimony more effective and less prone to error.

2. Comprehension & Satisfaction through Simplification

• Converting legalese into plain-English witness examination, evidence and jury instructions dramatically improves juror comprehension, courtroom confidence, and satisfaction with the process

3. Decision‑Making Style & Deliberation Quality

• Longer, more complex trials tend to foster evidence-driven deliberation—where jurors first evaluate facts in depth before voting—compared to shorter trials where jurors often vote early and then rationalize (verdict‑driven style)
• Evidence-driven juries tend to produce more confident and well‑balanced verdicts, especially with strong participation from minority viewpoints. Improved Juror Engagement.

• Lawyers are encouraged to distill their case to its most compelling points, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
• Shorter trials reduce the burden on witnesses, making testimony more effective and less prone to error.

CONCLUSION

Jurors generally prefer trials that are clear, concise, and efficiently managed. In a study involving  over 1,500 jury and non jury trials in general jurisdiction trial courts in New Jersey, Colorado, and California, the study concluded that length of trial can be shortened without sacrificing fairness When legal materials are simplified, time’s used smartly, and participation is encouraged, juror engagement and satisfaction rise. That said, complex cases benefit from longer, evidence-driven deliberation to ensure thoroughness and fairness.